Europe - Italy Day 3

04 May 2016 (Wed):

The next day, we were off to Florence. There we saw Galleria dell' Accademia and The Duomo. It was an intensive walking day.

That evening, we has short walk back to our hotel. Florence – Grand Mediterraneo.

Rooms here in Grand Mediterraneo were small and warm. We thought the air condition were faulty but apparently, the rest of the guests felt the same way.

Another Optional up the Tuscany Hills where we had tremendous fun and laughter. We had all warmed up to each other. Even our coach captain provided a whale of a good time when were going downhills on the coach.

Europe - Italy Day 2

03 May 2016 (Tues):

Rise and shine. We had a Welcome Reception the evening before and we hit our pillows early.

We had a long day of flights the day before - SIN/DXB for 7 hrs, transit another 4 hours and then DXB / FCO for another 7 hours... waited for the complimentary for 2 hours..

We did the orientation drive in Rome – a site of ancient ruins, rich in culture and history, saw The Vatican City and the Colosseum, St Peter’s Basilica, Piazzas and Fountains of Rome.

The Vatican City

St Peter’s Basilica 

Here’s a group photo, taken at the Colosseum. Our group people were mainly from The United States.

Piazzas and Fountains of Rome. This was done on the early evening. We walked through the alleys and corridors with our Local Specialists and has Gelato ice dream.

This was where we stayed for 2 nights. The Crowne Plaza Hotel in Rome was wonderful. The rooms were big and spacious and wifi were readily available in the rooms.

Europe: Dubai Transit - Day 1

02 May 2016 (Monday):

Hooray! The long awaited day has come. I am going on a FAMIL Trip. Nver have i been to Europe before... my very 1st time... I hope its not the last though.

This is a trip to Central Europe which covers Italy, Swiss, Paris and onwards to London, UK. I am flying on Emirates which will transit in Dubai. But luckily i am not alone, I have my colleague from the accounts dept who will be joining me on this trip.

I will not be saying much, except for some intro of the attractions here and there. ( Frankly speaking, I only upload these post now in Dec 2016, although you see the dates were in May 2016 but there were many stuff i have forgotten)

Ahem! I copied mainly from my report. Yes, I have to do a report after the trip.

European Dream ~ 02 May 2016 – 09 May 2016

Travel Director: Sophia Belliveau

Driver: Alessandro Mari

Our itinerary starts from Rome and ends in London, with 2 nights in Rome, 1 night each in Florence, Venice and Lucerne, followed by 2 nights again in Paris. We will sail across the English Channel via ferry, from Calais into Dover and lastly, we end the trip at the London Reception Centre or the Hilton Kensington Hotel.

We had a transit in Dubai via Emirates and it was 0450hrs when we arrived at Dubai. Thinking it will be an empty airport since we arrived at such odd hours but I was so wrong. The airport was busy and there were many people everywhere.

 Emirates meals and entertainment on board. There were many channels to choose from. I watched at least 5 movies throughout the flight from Singapore to Rome via Dubai. There were also international languages to choose from as well.

Prefect Investiture

15 Apr 2016 (Friday):

Rachel has been chosen to become a prefect and her rehearsal is as per below. Too bad parents were not invited to the investiture/ceremony.

She came back and proudly showed me her prefect badge, and told me her prefect duties are every Monday.

I told her even as a prefect, she is not allowed to abuse her authority and must always show care and concern. Everyone is equal. 

But I believe Rachel has the right qualities since Kindergarten. Her teacher has always commented she is helpful and kind, shows and exercises responsibility and helps take care of younger children.

Rachel, the 1st Student Leader in line (arrow pointed)

Happy 11th Birthday, Son

03 Apr 2016 (Sunday):

Blessed Birthday, Lionel.

You have grown older and have learn to shoulder even greater responsibilities. This is 1 age where kids will be influence greatly by his/her surroundings, languages, environment, etc... and this we called the rebellious stage.

I hope you will balance your responsibilities and not be impact / influence by what is happening around you. You are loved and cared for by many.

Stay healthy, happy and continue to be a doting brother to your sister.

Filming - 星期二特写 Tuesday Report

09 Apr 2016 (Sat):

The night before, the kids told me very enthusiastically that someone would be filming at the shop.

I was wondering which celebrity was coming.

Turned out it was " Tuesday Report" - 星期二特写 doing the filming. This must be one of those few episodes reporting on the very old shops that still remains in this modern day society. 

So they were there since 6am on the morning, filming, recording, taking down notes and interviewing. The kids were being "filmed" on their daily routines at the shop - homework, meals and even nap time. 

We were told the air time would be around July. So folks stay tune. Not sure what would be edited, what would be shown: :P

Interviewing some of the old folks who would pop by for a cup of coffee and chit chat every now and then.  Some of them were from the very same kampong as my in laws.

The kids doing their homework and revision. Wink! " Cannot look at the camera ah.. be serious.. dun laugh ah... " the cameraman told the kids. Haha.

Here is an epic shot of Lionel pretending to be asleep. The kids were seen sleeping at the shop since their infancy and toddler times. Asking the big boy to pretend play, Lionel was more than willing. But he would try to open his eyes just a little to see the camera staring right back at him.. LOL.

P3 / P5 8th Annual Sports Meet

01 Apr 2016 (Fri):

The P3s & P5s had their sports day this morning at Yishun Sports Stadium.  Rachel was not selected to take part in the race, so she was at the stand cheering her house on.

On the other hand, Lionel took part in the 8 x 50m relay and they came in 2nd.